The Million-Dollar Heart

If Vivienne's memory served her right, it had been ten days since she started her regimen of remedies-a milestone that should have marked the end of her treatment. Yet, here she was, still sipping on what seemed like an endless supply of bitter concoctions. Percival handed her a glass of water with an unnervingly calm demeanor, his voice soft and comforting, "Vivienne, you forgot about the day we went to Grandpa Jack's. You missed a dose then. We're just making up for it." Vivienne could only respond with a sigh.

In exasperation, she asked, "Mr. Wolf, how much longer with this 'medicine'?"

Understanding her plight, Percival offered a reassuring smile, "Tomorrow is the last day. After that, we'll head to the hospital for a check-up to ensure everything's cleared up. We might as well see how our little peanut is developing."

Vivienne's lips twitched in amusement, "Our 'peanut' is barely two months along, probably not even the size of your pinky yet."

Percival's lips curled into a smile, his eyes gleaming, "At two months, we should be able to hear the heartbeat. Don't you want to hear our baby's heartbeat?"

That certainly caught Vivienne's attention.

Half an hour later, on their way to the Watson estate, Vivienne browsed through the information Draven had sent over about the Watsons.

Nolan Watson, the current head of the Watson family, was renowned for his expertise in both landscape architecture and as a chief engineer, particularly skilled in designing Western-style gardens. The family, once royal architects, had seen their fortunes wane over time. Now, they were recognized not for their historical significance but for their professional merits, attracting the attention of many affluent families. Interestingly, the Linklater family's estate was one of Nolan's masterpieces. This explained why Grandpa Jack had sent her with a letter to Nolan Watson.

Upon arrival, Thomas, their driver, couldn't believe his eyes-the estate's classical red gates and the surrounding wilderness seemed to transport them back in time.

Thomas had thought the Linklater estate was traditional enough, but the Watson residence, seamlessly blending into the nearby terrain, appeared utterly timeless. As beautiful as it was, it also exuded an intimidating aura.

Shaking off the feeling, Thomas informed Percival and Vivienne, "We've arrived."

After identifying themselves and presenting Yorick Linklater's handwritten letter, the butler invited them in, leaving Thomas to wait outside.

Entering the main hall, they were greeted by an elderly man dressed in a dark Western suit, emanating a sense of wisdom and longevity. Percival and Vivienne introduced themselves and quickly got to the point. "We've come to inquire about something, Mr. Watson," Percival began.

mentioned that the Wright estate was designed by you. We're wondering if you still have the original

jogged his memory. Nolan then clarified, "Ah, yes. The Wright estate was indeed a Watson project, but it wasn't mine. It was my brother, Derek Watson, who designed it. He preferred the European architectural styles, diverging

exchanged a glance before asking about Derek's

blueprints you're after, I'll have someone search his study. If we find them, I'll ensure they're sent

little hope for finding the blueprints, Vivienne and Percival prepared to leave but not before Vivienne

sighed, "He was always frail, succumbed to his ailments,

left for their

of their visit, Thomas drove them to the facility without

him in the backseat, Percival warmed her hands with his, "Going to question Declan now? Do we

if we don't, I'll make sure he reveals

the Wright family and Abigail's disappearance

so long, it was about

a small,

on a chair, his head bowed,

and Ephemeral spoke up, "To think you had such a deep connection

have been so devoted to Abigail and her grand plan to overturn the current world order,

person opposite showed no

one thing - that whatever Abigail

Vivienne attacked the psychological

it's convincing people with the promise of

Abigail could

and it wouldn't

family member be with